Data analytics is a growing field in Canada in need of knowledgeable and skilled data analyst graduates. If you’re interested in problem-solving, pattern detection, and decision-making as well as technology, then the area of data analytics could be well-suited to you!
There are a number of ways to become a data analyst in Canada, from bachelor’s degrees to post-graduate programs and more. One thing is for certain, the knowledge and skills of data analysts are needed more than ever by today’s businesses, non-profits and governments.
Education for Future Data Analysts
There are a number of program options to choose from if you wish to gain some knowledge and skills in data analytics. Perhaps the most familiar option is to pursue an undergraduate degree in data science, but by no means is this the only option. If you’re an international student who has already completed your degree you can still learn data science and enter into the field of information technology in Canada!
Below are some programs that offers Data Analytics.
- Georgian College – Big Data Analytics: Ontario’s Georgian College offers a 1-year graduate certificate in Big Data Analytics to prepare post-secondary graduates for the world of big data; increasingly, data is becoming important to every single type of organization including businesses, non-profits, and government. The program can be complete on either a full-time or part-time basis and will be filled with lectures, labs, and coursework. Some of the courses you’ll take in the program include Data Programming, Business Intelligence, and Data Manipulation Techniques amongst others.
- University of Winnipeg – Statistics (Data Science Stream): The University of Winnipeg is now offering a brand new 4-year degree in statistics but focused on data science! This Bachelor’s of Science is inclusive of mathematics, statistics, and applied computer science. In the program, students will take a number of courses including but not limited to Applied Regression Analysis, Mathematical Statistics, Database Systems and many others! You can even choose specific courses in order to tailor your degree to serve a specific purpose. By the end of the degree, you’ll be ready to analyze, interpret and model data and interpret the results in order to inform trends and decision-making.
- Douglas College – Data Analytics: British Columbia’s Douglas College offers a post-degree diploma in Data Analytics; the program is well-suited to students with a background in computer science, mathematics, business and other areas of STEM wishing to gain further skills related to data management and interpretation. At Douglas College, you’ll take courses such as System Analytics and Design, Data Visualization, Introductory Marketing, amongst numerous others. After your 1-year program, you’ll be ready to enter the rapidly growing field of information technology here in Canada!
Job Outlook and Growth for Data Analysts in Canada
According to the Government of Canada, data analysts are in demand; over the period of 2019-2028 this particular occupation is expected to face shortage conditions. There will be 18 000 new jobs with only 16 700 people available to fill those placements according to the Government of Canada.
Outlook in the below provinces is expected to be good according to the Government of Canada:
- British Columbia
- Manitoba
- New Brunswick
- Ontario
- Quebec
- Saskatchewan
The job outlook is expected to be fair in the below provinces according to the Government of Canada:
- Alberta
- Newfoundland and Labrador
- Nova Scotia
The job outlook remains undetermined in the following provinces according to the Government of Canada:
- Northwest Territories
- Nunavut
- Prince Edward Island
- Yukon Territory
Expected Salary for Data Analysts by Province
Similar to the job prospects, the salary also varies significantly by province for data analysts. Below are the median hourly salaries by province/territory as cited by the Government of Canada:
- Alberta – $41.32
- British Columbia – $29.81
- Saskatchewan – $40.79
- Manitoba – $33.65
- Ontario – $35.90
- Yukon – N/A
- Northwest Territories – N/A
- Nunavut – N/A
- Prince Edward Island – N/A
- Nova Scotia – $33.20
- New Brunswick – $34.87
- Newfoundland and Labrador – $34.87
- Quebec – $30.77
If your interests lie at the intersection of problem-solving, decision-making and technology, there is not a program more suited to you than data science! And good news, this field is growing dramatically here in Canada. All types of organizations are in need of data analysts; businesses need data for marketing, non-profits need data to assess their impact, governments need data to inform policy-making and the list continues. An added bonus? Data analysts are well-paid here in Canada, as noted above.
Sources Georgian College University of Winnipeg Douglas College Outlook Wages
